§ 10. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Transport what number of new coal wagons which have been assembled in Royal Ordnance Factories have been stopped for defective and hot axle boxes and for other defects, such as broken door fastenings, etc.; and how many similar wagons as sent out by private builders have been stopped in the same period and for the same reasons.
§ Mr. CallaghanI regret that this information is not available.
§ Colonel ClarkeDoes the hon. Gentleman mean to tell us that a great number of wagons to the value of between £350 and £400 each are being bought and delivered from the Royal Arsenal factories, and that no check is kept on them to see whether they are running well or whether the Government are getting what they paid for, because rumour has it that they are-not?
§ Mr. CallaghanThat is not what the Question asked. The Question asked for 792 statistics. Of course a check is kept on every wagon and its availability for service.
§ Colonel ClarkeIf a check is kept, and if records are kept, why cannot they be given to the House?
§ Mr. CallaghanBecause the railway staffs have the task of running the railway system, and unless the House presses me I do not feel it is worth while imposing upon them the task of collecting detailed statistics which they have not got. If the hon. and gallant Member has any specific evidence I will gladly look into it.